Intra-arterial and extra-arterial pH, PCO2 and PO2 monitors.

In vitro blood gas analysers inherently limit the frequency of serial blood gas measurements because of blood loss and cost. In vivo blood gas monitors eliminate an inherent cost and blood loss associated with measurement. Optode microsensing is a technology that can be readily adapted to in vivo measurement of pH, PCO2, and PO2. Optode-based intra-arterial devices that display continuous values have been developed that are practical for routine use but consistent performance remains a problem; an extra-arterial device that provides intermittent values has been shown to be consistent but is not yet available for routine use. The transfer of blood gas measurements from laboratory analysers to the combination of point-of-care analysers and monitors should have as profound an impact on acute respiratory care as did the introduction of laboratory-based blood gas analysers over 30 years ago. However, we must be sure these devices are reliable, consistent and cost beneficial in order to avoid widespread adoption of yet another technology that provides more data, more cost, and questionable patient benefit.